紅
crimson, deep red
Readings
On'yomi
- コウ
- ク
Kun'yomi
- べに
- くれない
- あか.い
Nanori
- くれ
- もみ
Meaning
紅 centers on a vivid, deep red color: crimson. It is used for rich reds, often with a sense of beauty or intensity.
Most common words using 紅
20 of 215- 紅くれない
deep red; crimson
- 紅茶こうちゃN5
black tea
- 紅白こうはくN1
red and white; colours for festive or auspicious occasions (colors)
- 紅葉こうようN3
leaves turning red (in autumn); red leaves; autumn colours; fall colors
- 紅葉もみじN3
maple (tree)
- 口紅くちべにN3
lipstick
- 紅蓮ぐれん
bright red
- 深紅しんく
deep crimson
- 紅色べにいろ
red; crimson; vermilion
- 紅玉こうぎょく
ruby
- 紅一点こういってん
the lone woman (e.g. bright flower) in a group
- 丸紅まるべに
Marubeni Corporation
- 紅花べにばな
safflower (Carthamus tinctorius)
- 紅しょうがべにしょうが
red pickled ginger
- 紅梅こうばい
red-blossomed plum tree; red Japanese apricot
- 紅海こうかい
Red Sea
- 紅潮こうちょう
flush; blush
- 紅衛兵こうえいへい
(Chinese) Red Guards
- 紅鮭べにざけ
sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka); red salmon
- 紅葉狩りもみじがり
autumn-leaf viewing; fall-leaf viewing
Study
Etymology
紅 combines 糸 (thread/silk) with 工, which likely contributes the sound. The character originally referred to a deep red dye or silk fabric.
Meaning mnemonic
The thread radical 糸 beside 工 suggests silk dyed a deep, rich red. Picture a bolt of crimson silk fabric.
Reading mnemonic
For コウ, imagine a deep red coat: coat -> コウ, and the coat is made of crimson silk.